Fluid Delivery Apparatuses and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

Fluid delivery apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed herein. An embodiment includes a pressure vessel having an input for filling the pressure vessel with a fluid and an outlet providing a path of fluid communication out of the pressure vessel for the fluid under pressure, and a water dispersal member having a rigid body having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to releaseably couple with the outlet of the pressure vessel, the water dispersal member further having an actuator having an open position and a closed position, the fluid exiting the water dispersal member when the actuator is not in the closed position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/537,631, filed on Jul. 27, 2017, and U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/538,739, filed on Jul. 30, 2017,each which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties including all references and appendices cited therein, forall purposes.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to fluid deliveryapparatuses and more specifically, but not by limitation, toself-contained apparatuses that deliver pressurized water using apressure vessel having various ports and accessories for waterdispersion from the pressure vessel.

SUMMARY

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to anapparatus, comprising: a pressure vessel comprising: an input forfilling the pressure vessel with a fluid; and an outlet providing a pathof fluid communication out of the pressure vessel for the fluid underpressure; and a water dispersal member having a rigid body having afirst end and a second end, the first end being configured toreleaseably couple with the outlet of the pressure vessel, the waterdispersal member further comprising an actuator having an open positionand a closed position, the fluid exiting the water dispersal member whenthe actuator is not in the closed position.

According to some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to anapparatus comprising: a first pressure vessel comprising: a vesselhousing comprising a first port for coupling with a second pressurevessel; one or more locking members extending from the vessel housing;an input for filling the pressure vessel with a fluid; and an outletproviding a path of fluid communication out of the pressure vessel forthe fluid under pressure; the second pressure vessel comprising: avessel housing comprising a second port for coupling with the first portof the first pressure vessel to cause the first pressure vessel and thesecond pressure vessel to be in fluid communication with one another;and one or more receivers for receiving the locking members when thefirst pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel are coupledtogether using the first port and the second port; and a water dispersalmember having a rigid body having a first end and a second end, thefirst end being configured to releaseably couple with the outlet of thefirst pressure vessel, the water dispersal member further comprising anactuator having an open position and a closed position, the fluidexiting the water dispersal member when the actuator is not in theclosed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed disclosure, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

The methods and systems disclosed herein have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example apparatus of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of an example water dispersal member in aclosed position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of an example water dispersal member inan open position.

FIG. 4 is a top down cross section of another example apparatus having awater dispersal member extending through a pressure vessel.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example apparatus comprising amodified version of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in combination with a secondapparatus (e.g., pressure vessel).

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another example modular apparatuscomprising a modified version of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in combinationwith a second apparatus (e.g., pressure vessel).

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an example hinge door spray device foruse with the pressure vessels described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to fluid deliveryapparatuses and methods of use. Turning to FIG. 1, an example apparatus100 of the present disclosure is illustrated. The apparatus 100generally comprises a pressure vessel 102, a first input 104, a secondinput 106, one or more water dispersal members 108 (best illustrated inFIG. 2), and an outlet 110. The outlet 110 illustrated is an example asthe outlet to which the water dispersal member 108 is connected isobscured in this view.

In general, the pressure vessel 102 comprises any suitable containerthat is configured to receive a fluid under pressure, such as water. Insome embodiments, the pressure vessel 102 is a portable apparatus thatcan be carried from one location to another under human movement. Inother embodiments, the pressure vessel 102 can be placed in a fixedposition within a location, such as a garage or other similar location.

The first input 104 is an interface that allows for the pressure vessel102 to be filled with water. In some instances, the first input 104 isfixedly attached to the pressure vessel 102 and comprises a receivingend. The receiving end can comprise, for example, threads or can includea quick connect that allows a hose 112 to be connected to the firstinput 104 and removed in an expedited manner. In some embodiments, thefirst input 104 can comprise a flow regulator or value 114 that isactuated by a lever 117 (e.g., input actuator).

In general, the lever 117 (e.g., input actuator) comprises an openposition allowing for filling of the pressure vessel and a closedposition allowing for the fluid to remain under pressure inside thepressure vessel, as well as an interface for a hose.

The flow regulator 114 could be, for example, a one-way valve ormembrane, a ball or butterfly valve (e.g., butterfly valve illustratedschematically in FIG. 1), although other valves or regulators can alsobe utilized that would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Theflow regulator 114 allows for selective filling and sealing of thepressure vessel 102. Once the pressure vessel 102 is filled with water,the flow regulator 114 is placed in the closed position so that waterand residual pressure from air that filled the flow regulator 114remain. Thus, the water inside the pressure vessel 102 is underpressure.

In situations where local water pressure is low and/or air content inthe water is low, it is contemplated that additional pressure can beintroduced into the pressure vessel 102. Also, pressure may decreasewhen the column of water begins to decrease, as pressure exerted bygravity on the initial column of water will decrease with loss ofvolume. To be sure, when the water is under an insufficient amount ofpressure, the water will not exit the pressure vessel 102 at asufficient flow rate to allow for water to be sprayed. The water willinstead tend to flow in a laminar profile or dribble.

Thus, the second input 106 is configured as an interface for a pump 116.The pump 116 is used to increase a pressure on the water inside thepressure vessel 102 to improve water flow velocity out of the pressurevessel 102. In some embodiments, the second input 106 is an optionalmember. In some embodiments, the pump 116 is configured to increasepressure inside the pressure vessel 102 when a pressure on the fluidexiting the water dispersal member is at or below a pressure thresholdor when a pressure within the pressure vessel is at or below a vesselpressure threshold. These varying pressures can be measured throughpressure gauges positioned on the pressure vessel to measure pressurevessel pressure or in association with the outlet 110 to measure waterpressure of a water at the outlet 110. The pump 116 can be automaticallyactuated based on pressure readings.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional area of an example embodiment of the waterdispersal member 108. The water dispersal member 108 generally comprisesa housing 118, a shaft 120, a spring actuated stopper 122, a spring 124,and an actuator 126.

In some embodiments, the housing 118 is a tubular and cylindrical memberthat is rigid. The housing 118 encloses the shaft 120 and spring 124.

Referring collectively to FIGS. 1 and 2, the water dispersal member 108can be connected to the outlet 110 of the pressure vessel 102. Forexample, the outlet 110 can comprises a tubular threaded member (e.g.,spigot) that protrudes from a lower portion of the pressure vessel 102.

In some embodiments, the water dispersal member 108 can connect directlyto a terminal end of the outlet 110 through threaded connections on boththe outlet 110 and the water dispersal member 108, or through a quickconnect interface. For example, the outlet 110 is a threaded apertureonto which a part of the shaft 120 is threaded.

In other embodiments, the water dispersal member 108 can be connected tothe outlet 110 indirectly through a hose extending between the outlet110 and the water dispersal member 108. In various embodiments, theoutlet 110 can also comprise a flow regulator or valve that is similarto that used with the first input 104 with the exception that the flowregulator or valve used on the outlet 110 allows flow of water only outof the pressure vessel 102 rather than into the pressure vessel 102.

In some embodiments, the spring actuated stopper 122 is positioned onone terminal end (e.g., first end) of the shaft 120, and the actuator126 is positioned on an opposing terminal end (e.g., second end) of theshaft 120. The stopper 122 is sized to occlude an opening of the outlet110 of the pressure vessel (see FIG. 1).

The spring 124 is positioned between rings 128 and 130. The rings 128and 130 generally are somewhat smaller in outer diameter than the innerdiameter of the housing 118. In some embodiments, the configuration andshape of the spring actuated stopper 122 functions to contact ring 128during actuation, as will be described in greater detail infra. Ingeneral, the spring actuated stopper 122 has a frusto-conicalconfiguration. Where the spring actuated stopper 122 and the shaft 120mate, a diameter of the spring actuated stopper 122 is greater than adiameter of the shaft 120. The ring 130 is fixed in its position at asecond end of the housing 118.

When a user utilizes the actuator 126 to push the shaft forward, thespring actuated stopper 122 contacts the ring 128 and draws the ring 130towards the second or distal end of the housing 118. This movementcauses the spring to compress between the ring 128 and the ring 130. Thespring actuated stopper 122 is moved from its seated position (see FIG.2) over the opening of the outlet 110 allowing water to flow through theoutlet 110 under pressure.

In one or more embodiments, the shaft 120 comprises a port 132. The port132 is located within the part of the shaft 120 inside the housing 118.The port 132 is connected with an opening 134 in the terminal end of theshaft 120. As water flows into the housing 118, the water is divertedthrough the port 132 and out of the opening 134 in the terminal end ofthe shaft 120.

When the user releases the actuator 126, the spring 124 will elongateback to its initial position causing the spring actuated stopper 122 tocover the opening of the outlet 110.

In another embodiment, the housing 118 comprises one or more apertures136 that allow the housing 118 to function as a spray bar. Rather thanusing the ported shaft disclosed above, the water flowing out of thepressure vessel will exit the apertures of the housing 118.

It will also be understood that in some embodiments, the shaft 120 andspring 122 can be driven through use of a servo or motor. That is,actuation of the shaft 120 can be mechanized and can be controlledthrough a remote device and/or application.

In another embodiment, as generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the housingof the water dispersal member can be positioned inside the pressurevessel and the actuator of the water dispersal member extends out of aback side of the pressure vessel. The spring actuated stopper covers anopening of the pressure vessel. Rearward movement of the actuator andshaft unseats the spring actuated stopper from the opening of thepressure vessel causing water to exit the outlet under pressure. Inembodiments where a housing is present, the housing of the waterdispersal member can be perforated to allow pressurized water to flowinto the housing and out of the end of the housing.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example configuration of an apparatus 200that includes two or more modules of pressure vessels that can beconnected to one another to increase a volume of pressurized wateravailable for use.

In general, one embodiment can include the apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1-3with the inclusion of a coupling port (e.g., first port) 202 associatedwith the pressure vessel 102. A second pressure vessel 204 comprises acomplementary coupling port (e.g., second port) 206 that mates with thecoupling port 202 of the apparatus 100. When connected, the secondpressure vessel 204 provides additional water volume for the apparatus200. Other additional pressure vessels can be attached in a similarmanner creating a battery of pressure vessels.

FIG. 6 illustrates another example apparatus 300 having a specificmodular configuration. In this embodiment a first pressure vessel 302couples with a second pressure vessel 304 using respective couplingports 306 and 308. The pressure vessel 302 can include any of thecomponents of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.

To enhance the connection between the first pressure vessel 302 and thesecond pressure vessel 304, the second pressure vessel 304 comprises oneor more locking members 310 that are received within one or morereceivers 312 of the first pressure vessel 302 (or vice versa in someembodiments). Fluid can flow through these connections as well if theyare tubular in construction.

Generally, the one or more receivers 312 receive the locking members 310when the first pressure vessel 302 and the second pressure vessel 304are coupled together using the first port and the second port (e.g.,respective coupling ports) 306 and 308.

A water dispersal member 314 that is configured similarly to the waterdispersal member 108 of FIGS. 1-3 can be associated with an output ofany of the first pressure vessel 302 or the second pressure vessel 304.Inputs can also be incorporated.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example hinge door 400 apparatus that isconfigured to mate with an open end 402 of a spigot 404 that coupleswith an opening of a pressure vessel (see opening 110 of FIG. 1 as anexample). The spigot 404 comprises an o-ring or seal 406 inset within anotched cavity 408 formed in the open end 402. Correspondingly, thehinge door 400 comprises a door body 410 an o-ring or seal 412 thatextends from a rear portion of the door body 410. A hinge 414 couplesthe hinge door 400 to a housing of a pressure vessel (not shown) or witha receiver that is positioned on the pressure vessel. In someembodiments, the hinge door 400 also comprises a handle 416 that is usedto rotate the hinge door 400 about a point where the hinge 414 coupleswith the pressure vessel.

In operation, when the hinge door is closed onto the open end 402 of thespigot 404, the o-ring 412 on the door body 410 mates with the o-ring406 in the open end 402 of the spigot 404 to prevent water from exitingthe pressure vessel. When the hinge door 400 is opened, the o-ringsseparate and allow pressurized water to flow out of the pressure vessel.In some embodiments, actuation of the hinge door 400 is driven by amotor, servo, or other similar mechanism and can be controlled through aremote device (e.g., Smartphone) and/or application.

While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and has been described in detailseveral specific embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principlesof the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to theembodiments illustrated.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notnecessarily be limited by such terms. These terms are only used todistinguish one element, component, region, layer or section fromanother element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a firstelement, component, region, layer or section discussed below could betermed a second element, component, region, layer or section withoutdeparting from the teachings of the present disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be necessarily limiting of thedisclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “includes” and/or“comprising,” “including” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof.

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein withreference to illustrations of idealized embodiments (and intermediatestructures) of the present disclosure. As such, variations from theshapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturingtechniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, the exampleembodiments of the present disclosure should not be construed asnecessarily limited to the particular shapes of regions illustratedherein, but are to include deviations in shapes that result, forexample, from manufacturing.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can be formed from a same,structurally continuous piece, such as being unitary, and/or beseparately manufactured and/or connected, such as being an assemblyand/or modules. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can bemanufactured via any manufacturing processes, whether additivemanufacturing, subtractive manufacturing and/or other any other types ofmanufacturing. For example, some manufacturing processes include threedimensional (3D) printing, laser cutting, computer numerical control(CNC) routing, milling, pressing, stamping, vacuum forming,hydroforming, injection molding, lithography and/or others.

Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, can include, whetherpartially and/ or fully, a solid, including a metal, a mineral, aceramic, an amorphous solid, such as glass, a glass ceramic, an organicsolid, such as wood and/or a polymer, such as rubber, a compositematerial, a semiconductor, a nano-material, a biomaterial and/or anycombinations thereof. Any and/or all elements, as disclosed herein, caninclude, whether partially and/or fully, a coating, including aninformational coating, such as ink, an adhesive coating, a melt-adhesivecoating, such as vacuum seal and/or heat seal, a release coating, suchas tape liner, a low surface energy coating, an optical coating, such asfor tint, color, hue, saturation, tone, shade, transparency,translucency, non-transparency, luminescence, anti-reflection and/orholographic, a photo-sensitive coating, an electronic and/or thermalproperty coating, such as for passivity, insulation, resistance orconduction, a magnetic coating, a water-resistant and/or waterproofcoating, a scent coating and/or any combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Theterms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in anidealized and/or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Furthermore, relative terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and“upper” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship toanother element as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Suchrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations ofillustrated technologies in addition to the orientation depicted in theaccompanying drawings. For example, if a device in the accompanyingdrawings is turned over, then the elements described as being on the“lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on “upper” sidesof the other elements. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures isturned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elementswould then be oriented “above” the other elements. Therefore, theexample terms “below” and “lower” can, therefore, encompass both anorientation of above and below.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the present disclosure in the form disclosed.Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and itspractical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the artto understand the present disclosure for various embodiments withvarious modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example only, and notlimitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of thetechnology to the particular forms set forth herein. Thus, the breadthand scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that theabove description is illustrative and not restrictive. To the contrary,the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives,modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit andscope of the technology as defined by the appended claims and otherwiseappreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of thetechnology should, therefore, be determined not with reference to theabove description, but instead should be determined with reference tothe appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a pressure vesselcomprising: an input for filling the pressure vessel with a fluid; andan outlet providing a path of fluid communication out of the pressurevessel for the fluid under pressure; and a water dispersal member havinga rigid body having a first end and a second end, the first end beingconfigured to releaseably couple with the outlet of the pressure vessel,the water dispersal member further comprising an actuator having an openposition and a closed position, the fluid exiting the water dispersalmember when the actuator is not in the closed position.
 2. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the water dispersal member is configuredto receive a threaded connection of a hose.
 3. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the input of the pressure vessel comprises at leastone of a one way valve or a flow regulator.
 4. The apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the input of the pressure vessel comprises a quickconnect interface comprising an input actuator that comprises an openposition allowing for filling of the pressure vessel and a closedposition allowing for the fluid to remain under pressure inside thepressure vessel, as well as an interface for a hose.
 5. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a secondary input that couplesallows for pressurization of the pressure vessel so as to increase apressure on the fluid within the pressure vessel.
 6. The apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a pump coupled to the pressurevessel, the pump increasing a pressure on the fluid within the pressurevessel.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the pump isconfigured to increase pressure within the pressure vessel when any of:a pressure on the fluid exiting the water dispersal member is at orbelow a pressure threshold; or a pressure within the pressure vessel isat or below a vessel pressure threshold.
 8. The apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the water dispersal member comprises a spring actuatedstopper that closes an opening of the water dispersal member when theactuator is in the closed position.
 9. The apparatus according to claim8, wherein the spring actuated stopper is disposed on a terminal end ofa shaft and a spring encircles the shaft, wherein when the spring is inan elongated configuration the spring actuated stopper seats within theopening of the output of the pressure vessel, and wherein when thespring is in a compressed configuration the spring actuated stopperdisengages with the opening of output of the pressure vessel allowingfluid to exit the pressure vessel.
 10. The apparatus according to claim9, wherein the actuator causes the spring to be in the compressedconfiguration when the actuator is in the open position and the actuatorcauses the spring to be in the elongated configuration when the actuatoris in the closed position.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 9,wherein the actuator is at least one of a manually actuated leverdisposed on an outer surface of the rigid body of the water dispersalmember or a servo-controlled lever.
 12. The apparatus according to claim1, further comprising a coupling port for coupling the pressure vesselwith a second pressure vessel, the port coupling with a complementaryport on the second pressure vessel.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: afirst pressure vessel comprising: a vessel housing comprising a firstport for coupling with a second pressure vessel; one or more lockingmembers extending from the vessel housing; an input for filling thepressure vessel with a fluid; and an outlet providing a path of fluidcommunication out of the pressure vessel for the fluid under pressure;the second pressure vessel comprising: a vessel housing comprising asecond port for coupling with the first port of the first pressurevessel to cause the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vesselto be in fluid communication with one another; and one or more receiversfor receiving the locking members when the first pressure vessel and thesecond pressure vessel are coupled together using the first port and thesecond port; and a water dispersal member having a rigid body having afirst end and a second end, the first end being configured toreleaseably couple with the outlet of the first pressure vessel, thewater dispersal member further comprising an actuator having an openposition and a closed position, the fluid exiting the water dispersalmember when the actuator is not in the closed position.
 14. Theapparatus according to claim 13, wherein the second end of the waterdispersal member is configured to receive a threaded connection of ahose, and wherein the input of the pressure vessel comprises a flowregulator.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the input ofthe pressure vessel comprises a quick connect interface comprising aninput actuator that comprises an open position allowing for filling ofthe pressure vessel and a closed position allowing for the fluid toremain under pressure inside the pressure vessel.
 16. The apparatusaccording to claim 15, further comprising a secondary input that couplesallows for pressurization of the pressure vessel so as to increase apressure on the fluid within the pressure vessel.
 17. The apparatusaccording to claim 16, further comprising a pump coupled to the pressurevessel, the pump increasing a pressure on the fluid within the pressurevessel.
 18. The apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the pump isconfigured to increase pressure within the pressure vessel when any of:pressure on the fluid exiting the water dispersal member is at or belowa pressure threshold; or pressure within the pressure vessel is at orbelow a vessel pressure threshold.
 19. The apparatus according to claim13, wherein the water dispersal member comprises a spring actuatedstopper that seals an opening of the output of the pressure vessel whenthe actuator is in the closed position, and further wherein the springactuated stopper is disposed on a terminal end of a shaft and a springencircles the shaft, wherein when the spring is in an elongatedconfiguration the spring actuated stopper seats within the opening ofthe water dispersal member, and wherein when the spring is in acompressed configuration the spring actuated stopper disengages with theopening of the output allowing fluid to exit the pressure vessel. 20.The apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the actuator causes thespring to be in the compressed configuration when the actuator is in theopen position and the actuator causes the spring to be in the elongatedconfiguration when the actuator is in the closed position.